Dana Maragos – Unimaginable Things
This album was originally released regionally (Chicago) in late 2024 but is becoming nationally available. It’s the exceptional 4th studio album by singer/songwriter Dana (pronounced Donna) Maragos (Mare-ah-gose). The effort is dedicated to her late brother Danny (1960-2023) & includes songs inspired by conversations, stories & reflections of troubles, & triumphs.
The recording’s sound is somewhat independent in production values. But Dana’s fine, warm voice is captured well, with all its sincerity & mature vocalizing timbre similar to Ferron, Rosalie Sorrels & other contemporary folk singers. These women embraced their full-throated, resolute vocal ebullience. There are no thin vocals to this showcase. It all has a generous & distinguished projection. Dana has this especially on the well-played narrative “What You See.”
There are only 8 original songs to Unimaginable Things (Drops Dec 12/Independent/28:52) produced by Brian Wilkie (electric, pedal steel & Stella acoustic guitars/electric bass/harmony) & Dana (acoustic guitars/vocal). You can hear through Dana’s voice the care taken in crafting her compositions. Yes, she’s not quite Joan Baez, Dar Williams, Shawn Colvin or the late Nanci Griffith, but you can hear that potential in every expressive song she performs.
There are plenty of finely tuned lyrical tales offered by Ms Maragos with prodigious guitars framing each well-written tale (“The Playground”). Dana’s folk balladry never gets too retro, & she keeps her story textures balanced & always interesting. Dana’s lyrics seldom get cute (though “Stella & the Marlboro Man” comes close). Dana doesn’t, through her music, try to sound like others. However, she does approach the richness of voice similar to the Midwest’s wonderful Carrie Newcomer. Dana’s songs are spare on this set with little in the way of bombastic arrangements. The songs are more drawn into a web of poignancy, truthfulness & emotional clarity.
“The Heavy” is just that. Heavy. Excellent lyrics, sensitive vocalizing, self-assured, meticulous guitar interplay. Quite marvellous. Nothing silly, tedious or posturing. Certainly, a standout tune. If you’re not a folk music fan because of its activism, hokum or reputation as protest music — this song alone should be the exception. This album could be the exception.
Highlights – “What You See,” “The Playground,” “Unimaginable Things,” “The Heavy,” & “When I Watch You Go.”
Musicians – John Abbey (electric & upright bass/piano/shaker/drum/organ/electric & lap steel guitars), John T. Rice (acoustic guitar/mandolin), Gerald Dowd (drums/harmony), Justin Kramer (drums/glockenspiel), David Sims (drums), Steve Doyle (dobro), Jenny Bienneman & Sue Demel (harmony) & Vijay Tellis-Nayak (Hammond organ).
The CD package is an 8-panel fold-out with lyrics included. Color image courtesy of Dana’s website gallery. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.danamaragos.com/
